NEW DELHI: Karan Johar’s upcoming blockbuster Ae Dil Hai Mushkil ran into a storm of trouble on Friday after a prominent national theatre owners association refused to screen the film because of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan’s presence.

The Cinema Owners’ and Exhibitors Association told media they decided to not screen any movie with Pakistani artistes, directors or technicians – a response to worsening ties with the neighbouring country and an attack on army base in Kashmir by alleged Pakistani militants that killed 19 soldiers.

“We have decided to not screen films with Pakistani actors,” association vice-president Nitin Datar was quoted as saying by ANI.

The association comprises of mostly single-screen theatres and media reports said the decision will affect the movie’s business in Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

“Keeping in mind patriotic feelings and national interest, we request all members to refrain from screening these. We will also request other associations to do the same.”

The highly anticipated movie starring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Fawad Khan and Anushka Sharma was slated for a Diwali release but has been in trouble since bilateral ties plummeted with Pakistan.

In response to alleged Pakistani involvement in several militant attacks and infiltration bids, many have called for a ban on Pakistani artists – including the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Over the past few weeks, a public debate has raged over whether Pakistani artists should be asked to go back or publicly apologise for Pakistan’s sponsoring of militancy-Hindustan Times

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